Denorfia extended through 2014 for $4.25 million

San Diego Padres' Chris Denorfia hits the first pitch of the game for a solo home run during the first inning of their baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
— AP

San Diego Padres' Chris Denorfia hits the first pitch of the game for a solo home run during the first inning of their baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
/ AP

LOS ANGELES  Liking the “niche” he has found with the Padres, Chris Denorfia Wednesday accepted a two-season contract extension with the club.

Denorfia is the sixth player to be extended by the Padres since last spring. He will make $2 million in 2013 and $2.25 million in 2014. The 32-year-old outfielder made $1.165 million this season.

“It’s a great day for me and my family,” said Denorfia. “I’ve been grinding it out year by year, sometimes not having a contract. I am enjoying this year even if it’s not exactly in a traditional role and I’m excited about being part of what the Padres are doing.”

Denorfia joined the Padres before the 2010 season as a minor league free agent after his once very promising career had been interrupted by elbow reconstruction surgery.

He hit .271 with nine homers in 91 games for the Padres in 2010. Last year he hit .277 in 111 games with five homers and 19 RBI.

Denorfia is hitting .290 this season with six homers and 30 RBI while forming a platoon in right with Will Venable. Denorfia has been starting against left-handers and is batting .333 against left-handed pitching with three homers and 19 RBI in 153 at-bats.

Denorfia said the extension was worked out over the last couple weeks after he and his agent decided to approach the Padres on the subject.

“He’s got a great perspective on this game,” said Black. “He’s very comfortable in who he is and what he does. This is a statement made by Deno and a statement made by the club.

“When you’re talking about a number of different players signing extensions, it shows you that it takes all sorts of players to make up a good team, and he can be part of a very good team.

Rotation adjusted

The blister on the right thumb of Edinson Volquez will get the right-hander a couple extra days rest this week.

Volquez was scheduled to start Saturday against Arizona at Petco Park. Instead, his next start will be against St. Louis on Tuesday at Petco Park.

The blister first troubled Volquez on Aug. 4 against at Petco Park and has been an irritant of varying degrees since.

“We felt now was the time to give him some extended rest to help that heal,” said Black. “It’s affected his breaking ball more than any other pitch. He has battled through it, but for the most part, it’s affected his breaking ball. We think this time off will let him heal and he’ll be able to bounce back by the middle of the week and be able to throw all pitches without discomfort.”

Bass in bullpen

Black said right-hander Anthony Bass might spend the remainder of the 2012 season in the bullpen.

Bass, 24, hasn’t appeared for the Padres since his right shoulder became inflamed after his June 20 start against the Texas Rangers.